The World Health Organization is warning the public of the possible spread of Dengue fever and other climate-sensitive diseases. Japan health officials confirmed that there are 55 reported cases which were believed to have started in Tokyo's Yoyogi Park. Visitors were said to have contracted the disease there.
The health ministry conducted fumigation in the park and captured at least 100 mosquitoes, most of which shows signs of being infected with the virus. Authorities immediately closed parts of the park to limit visitors and to stop the disease from spreading.
Dengue fever is a tropical disease characterized by high fever, muscle pain, severe headache and severe joint pain. Progression of the disease can lead to hemorrhage which is fatal. It is transmitted from human to human via mosquito bites. Dengue fever can be life-threatening and up to date, there is still no known vaccine or cure.
The health ministry of Japan is appealing to the public to be keen in avoiding mosquitoes and boosting their immune system to avoid the disease from progressing into a life-threatening condition. They are working hand in hand with the local officials in order to eradicate breeding grounds of mosquitoes especially in the park where it started.
They said that Dengue fever cases in Japan usually come from tourists who visit the country and can spread the disease when they are bitten by a mosquito and gets infected. Due fumigation and measures to eradicate mosquitoes are being analyzed as of this moment.
Dengue fever is common in more than 100 countries in Asia and Latin America. Though there is still no cure, avoiding mosquito bites and targeting their breeding grounds is very important.
Dengue fever can progress to Dengue Hemorrhagic fever, a fatal illness characterized by severe bleeding and inability of the blood to clot. It entails manifestations like petechial rash, nose bleeding, internal bleeding and even hypovolemic shock.
